Queer Toronto

Following the Film Program Q&A with Joel Gibb (The Hidden Cameras)

Under the title QUEER TORONTO, Poolinale presents two films about the vibrant queer music scene in Toronto, followed by a discussion with Joel Gibb (The Hidden Cameras), who will attend the event in person at Filmcasino.

She Said Boom: The Story of Fifth Column
CAN 2012, directed by Kevin Hegge, 64 min, English original version

Music Is My Boyfriend: A Film about The Hidden Cameras
CAN 2023, Documentary, directed by Robert Kennedy, 40 min, Original version with English subtitles

In cooperation with Blue Bird Vienna

SHE SAID BOOM: THE STORY OF FIFTH COLUMN tells the story of a group of women who formed a band in Toronto in 1981. Over the next 12 years, this evolved into an artistic universe of music, film, and political activism, serving as an important breeding ground for later movements such as Riot Grrrl and Queercore.

The film features band members Caroline Azar, Beverly Breckenridge, and G.B. Jones, along with Bruce LaBruce, who co-published the influential fanzine J.D's. Also included are musician Kathleen Hanna (Le Tigre, Bikini Kill), who co-founded the Riot Grrrl movement, and performance artist and musician Vaginal Davis.

"An exciting picture of visionary punks." — BFI

MUSIC IS MY BOYFRIEND: A FILM ABOUT THE HIDDEN CAMERAS showcases the beginnings of the band in early 2000s Toronto. The film combines interviews with founding members, behind-the-scenes footage during a recording session, and rarely seen 16mm films from two of their legendary live shows in a church. It serves both as a tribute to a beloved band and a time capsule of the raw, vibrant queer underground scene from which they emerged.

MUSIC IS MY BOYFRIEND highlights stunning live performances of tracks from their debut album, accompanied by the short film “A Miracle and The Making of a Miracle,” which is the band’s first music video.

Founding member and current frontman of The Hidden Cameras, Joel Gibb, will be present at Filmcasino for a Q&A session following the film.